Kraaifontein CPF disputes Premier Winde’s assessment of its performance

The Kraaifontein Community Policing Forum (CPF) has pushed back against Premier Alan Winde’s statement suggesting the forum was facing challenges in functioning effectively.

The premier’s comments followed his oversight visit to Kraaifontein Police Station this week, where he concluded that key challenges at the station included operational vehicle shortages, crime intelligence gaps, and CPF performance.

Chairperson of the Kraaifontein CPF, Mawethu Sila, questioned how its performance could be evaluated without the necessary consultation.

"We might not understand that until the premier gives us a full, detailed report on how he got to say that we are dysfunctional, because we have tried. Everything that we were supposed to do, we have done. After we were elected, all six of our sectors now have structures in place. There were no structures. In Wallacedene, we have activated neighbourhood watches," he said.

There were community WhatsApp groups created, of which sector commanders in different sectors are now members, Mr Sila added. He also expressed concern about not being notified prior to the premier's visit to the police station.

"Our duty as CPF is to be a link between the community and police, which is what we are doing. We are supposed to know before he goes to the station that he is going to visit the police station from his office directly to us as CPF," he said.

Deputy chairperson of the forum, Gavin Riddles, also said the claim by the premier was false.

"Various imbizos took place as well as street hotspot engagements in crime contributing sectors. Our required Community Safety Plan was drawn up and implemented. Monthly reports to higher structures were submitted. This claim is outrageous. We will soon roll out several projects as we done previously," he said.

Mr Sila said the areas contributing the most to almost all crimes in Kraaifontein are Wallecedene, Bloekombos, and Northpine.

Brigadier John Alexander, the station commander of Kraaifontein, said his office would not comment on the matter.

The office of the premier referred all questions from Northern News to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

Kurt Nefdt, the department’s spokesperson, said the department acknowledges and appreciates the achievements laid out by the Kraaifontein CPF and regards the forum as an essential partner in strengthening community safety.

"The reference to challenges related to the CPF’s ''effective functioning” was not intended to negate the work that has been undertaken, nor to question the commitment of CPF members.

"Rather, it reflects the department’s broader understanding of effective functionality as the ability of a structure to demonstrate sustained operational activity, consistent collaboration with police and the department, meaningful community engagement, and the implementation of safety initiatives, notwithstanding governance or administrative challenges.

"As with many CPFs across the province, the Kraaifontein CPF may experience governance, coordination, or sustainability challenges. These do not negate the presence of some form of functionality but indicate areas where additional support and strengthening may be required," said Mr Nefdt.